Indianapolis, Indiana – In a ceremony filled with respect, admiration, and celebration of a life well-lived, Governor Mike Braun honored the late Forrest Lucas, founder of Lucas Oil, with Indiana’s highest recognition, the 2025 Sachem Award. The award, reserved for individuals who have profoundly shaped Indiana through leadership, character, and service, is presented annually by the Governor to a single recipient. This year, it was given posthumously to Lucas, whose influence stretched across business, sports, and philanthropy. The award was accepted on his behalf by his wife Charlotte Lucas, his son and current Lucas Oil CEO Morgan Lucas, and Morgan’s wife, Katie Lucas, who serves as president of Lucas Oil.
“Forrest Lucas exemplified what it means to be a Hoosier. As a self-made entrepreneur, Lucas applied the work ethic he learned on the family farm to build an iconic American company, and left an indelible mark on the state of Indiana through his passion for sports and racing, philanthropy, and moral character. Today, we celebrate his legacy with Indiana’s highest award,” Governor Braun said during the ceremony.
Forrest Lucas was born in 1942 on a small family farm in Elkinsville, Indiana. From these humble beginnings, he pursued what many would call the American dream, crafting a path that would leave a lasting imprint on his state and country. Early in his career, he worked as a truck driver, buying his first semi-truck at just 21 years old. Demonstrating foresight and tenacity, Lucas eventually became the first American to obtain full 48-state operating authority, enabling him to haul virtually anything anywhere across the United States.
In 1989, Lucas and his wife Charlotte founded Lucas Oil. The company began as a solution for a practical problem: creating a better oil for his own fleet of trucks. From those modest origins, Lucas Oil has grown into a global enterprise offering more than 100 different lubricants and products. The company has become not only an industry leader but also a symbol of Indiana entrepreneurship and innovation.
Lucas’s impact extended far beyond the business world. A passionate advocate for racing, he helped solidify Indiana’s reputation as the Racing Capital of the World. His contributions also supported the development of the Indianapolis Colts’ stadium, now carrying the Lucas Oil name. His love of sports, particularly motorsports and football, was matched by a deep commitment to philanthropy and community development.
Through Lucas Oil and his personal initiatives, Forrest Lucas became a significant force for positive change across Indiana. The company continues to uphold his legacy by supporting numerous charitable organizations, including Project Harvest, Wheeler Mission Drumstick Dash, and the Central Indiana Police Foundation. Lucas Oil has also been involved in Colts’ Horseshoe Helpings events, programs such as Grit & Grace aimed at developing young female leaders, and the Eric Medlen Memorial Golf Tournament, which has raised over $1.4 million for Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital.
Forrest Lucas’s life reflects the traits of a true Hoosier—dedication, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to family, community, and state. As an entrepreneur, he created jobs and opportunities; as a philanthropist, he uplifted local communities; and as a civic leader, he inspired others to strive for excellence while remaining grounded in moral character.
“His legacy is one that continues to shape Indiana in profound ways,” Governor Braun remarked, emphasizing the lasting influence Lucas has had on the state through his business achievements and philanthropic endeavors. Lucas’s story resonates as an example of how hard work, ethical leadership, and a commitment to community can intersect to leave a lasting mark on society.
The posthumous awarding of the Sachem to Forrest Lucas ensures that his contributions to business, racing, philanthropy, and Indiana life are formally recognized and celebrated. His family, who accepted the award on his behalf, highlighted that the recognition is not just for Lucas as an individual, but for the enduring impact he has had on employees, communities, and charitable causes across the state.
As Hoosiers reflect on the life of Forrest Lucas, his journey from a small farm in Elkinsville to the global stage of business and philanthropy serves as a powerful reminder of what can be achieved through vision, hard work, and a deep commitment to improving the lives of others. Through the Lucas Oil legacy, the initiatives he supported, and the lives he touched, Forrest Lucas will continue to inspire Indiana for generations to come.
